Check out these five great family-friendly — and totally free — activities in the Houston area.
It happens. No matter how full the toy box or Netflix queue, those two little words pop up eventually: “I’m bored.” It’s enough to make any parent’s cortisol levels skyrocket — especially if they’re on a budget.
Thankfully, being in the fourth-largest city in the country has its perks. In Houston, there is always somewhere to go or something to do for parents, babysitters, and nannies to cut the boredom. When your kids utter those two dreaded words, don’t stress! Try one of these kid-friendly — and totally free — activities that are available all day, seven days a week.
Play at Levy Park
Address: 3801 Eastside St., Houston, TX 77098
Activity Hours: Open daily, hours for specific activities vary. Check the website to see the calendar of weekly free events.
Phone: 713-522-7275
If boredom were a diagnosable illness, Levy Park would be its cure. Not only is the park stocked with playground equipment for all ages, it also has a splash pad, board games, crafts, and a steady rotation of activities — all for free. If that weren’t enough, there’s a foosball table, table tennis, a community garden, and an outdoor library.
But don’t worry, parents. The planners behind Levy had you in mind, too. You’ll find all the must-haves for adults: bathrooms, benches, and plenty of shade. There’s also an elevated “observation deck” — shaded, of course — where parents can see the whole park from a single vantage point. On the weekends, there are food trucks and yoga classes.
Oh, and there’s also a dog park — just in case your pup gets antsy, too.
Bike Along Buffalo Bayou
Address: 1800 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Phone: 713-752-0314
Houston might be made up of an awful lot of concrete and metal, but there are some great green spaces, too. And many of them are perfect for a two- or three-wheeled adventure.
Buffalo Bayou Park isn’t as large as Memorial Park and George Bush Park, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in fun. The bike trail along Buffalo Bayou stretches roughly 2.5 miles from Shepherd Drive to downtown — and much of it is tucked out of view and away from the exhaust fumes of Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive.
Along the route, stop to check out an abandoned water system, a police officer memorial, and even a bat colony — not to mention countless flowers, trees, and a great view of the downtown skyline. Bathrooms, benches, and water fountains are located throughout the park, so with a packed picnic and a little sunblock, you could easily spend the whole day exploring — and you wouldn’t have to pay a dime.
‘Burp’ the Bayou
Address: 510 Preston St., Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
On a Preston Street bridge in Houston’s downtown Theater District, there’s a small red button hidden in a brick pillar. While most Houstonians don’t even know it’s there, it is a favorite among 5-year-olds and 50-year-olds alike because of what it can do: Push the button, and the bayou running beneath the bridge suddenly “burps” as a bubble of air breaks through the otherwise calm water.
There isn’t a sign showing you where the button is, so the kids will have to do some sleuthing to find it. Add to the mystery by having them figure out what it does, too. They’ll have a blast discovering it all for themselves and then taking turns pushing the button and running to see its effects — over and over again.
Swim at Sylvan Beach Park
Address: 636 N. Bayshore Dr., La Porte, TX 77571
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 713-274-2400
In a city where temperatures fluctuate between 75 and 100 degrees most of the year, beaches are a great go-to. While many of Houston’s beaches are free, the most family-friendly is Sylvan Park Beach in La Porte, right on the bay.
The beach itself is clean — no trash or seaweed to step over — but what sets it apart are the little things. Parking is free and abundant. In addition to swimming, kids can fly kites or play on the playground or in the skate park. A large, grassy area provides a great spot to set up a “base camp” in the shade or under a canopy rather than on the hot sand. And best of all, there are bathrooms, showers, and water fountains on-site, so you won’t have to leave to find facilities or, worse, get in the car covered with sand and salt. And, of course, all of it is free!
Frolick at Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 713-400-7336
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Discovery Green is 12 acres of free, family-friendly fun. It boasts a playground, a dog park, and multiple gardens to explore. If the temperatures start to rise, a splash pad and a “mist tree” will help the kids cool off. There’s even a reading room. If you visit on the weekends, activities, board games, and rec equipment are available to check out — for free! — with a valid ID.
Multiple stages and event areas mean there is always something happening at the park — especially on the weekends. Science activities, exercise classes, outdoor movies, and concerts are scheduled throughout the year, and often magicians and living statues set up shop to perform across the street in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Check out the park’s calendar to find out what’s happening on any given day. Almost all the events are free and great for all ages.
Did we leave anything out? Tell us in the comments below!
